Sentenced to 19 Years to Life for Killing Her Abuser — Is This Justice?

In a harrowing case that has raised significant questions about justice and domestic violence, Olivia “Liv” Thompson was sentenced to 19 years to life for the murder of her abuser, Mark Jenkins. Despite compelling evidence of Liv’s prolonged abuse at the hands of Mark, crucial medical records were not presented to the jury that ultimately convicted her. Records from 2014 revealed that Liv had suffered burns on multiple parts of her body, inflicted with a spoon heated over a gas flame—evidence that directly implicated Mark. Additionally, midwife reports from the summer prior to Mark’s death documented severe injuries, including “rope-like burns,” vaginal and anal bleeding, and a prolapsed vulva. Liv disclosed to the midwife that Mark had assaulted her with a firearm.

Liv has consistently acknowledged shooting Mark but has maintained that she was a victim of severe domestic violence, asserting that she saw no escape from her tormentor.

The Night of the Shooting

Dashcam footage from the early hours of September 28, 2017, captures Liv exiting her vehicle as a police officer approaches. Barefoot and visibly distressed, she is seen crying and trembling, with her two young children seated in the back of the car. Liv informed the officer that Mark had threatened her with a gun, leading to a struggle in which she seized the firearm. During the video, Liv exclaims, “Oh my God, he’s dead. It was self-defense. … Oh my God, it’s over.”

Liv explained to the officer that earlier that day, she had a visit from Child Protective Services (CPS) and mentioned a non-consensual sexual encounter with Mark that was less violent than usual. However, the officer expressed doubts about her account of the struggle, suggesting it may have occurred afterward and was emotionally charged.

The CPS Visit

On September 27, 2017, the day before the shooting, CPS had visited their home following an anonymous tip alleging that Liv frequently had visible bruises. During their questioning, Liv denied any abuse, while Mark claimed he had no history of aggression or criminal behavior. However, their son reported witnessing physical altercations between his parents. Liv, fearing for her children’s safety, advised her sister to downplay any injuries, asserting that both she and Mark were good parents.

The Support Network

Those close to Liv, including her son’s music teacher, Clara West, were aware of the signs of abuse. Clara had encouraged Liv to speak out about the bruises and burns she often displayed. Initially reluctant, Liv eventually confided that she was enduring regular physical and sexual abuse. Clara recalled how Liv insisted no one would believe her, reinforcing her fear of not being taken seriously.

The Trial and Its Aftermath

Unfortunately, when it came time for Liv’s trial, the jury was not privy to the medical evidence documenting her abuse. The presiding judge, Thomas Blake, often dismissed Liv’s claims by questioning why she didn’t just leave. In a 2020 ruling, he suggested Liv could have fled at any moment, failing to recognize the complexities of abusive relationships. Clara wrote to Judge Blake detailing Liv’s history of abuse, but the judge remained unconvinced.

Liv’s case highlights a tragic reality: many victims of domestic violence face disbelief and judgment rather than support. Liv’s conviction and subsequent sentencing have left her children without their mother, while questions of justice linger.

In her heartfelt statement to the court, Liv expressed her profound regret, stating, “If this had ended differently, I wouldn’t be here, but I wouldn’t be alive either. This is why many women don’t leave; we often end up in dire situations.”

On February 11, 2020, Liv Thompson was sentenced to 19 years to life in prison. Her children now live with relatives, and they spend weekends with Mark’s family.

For more on the struggles of domestic violence survivors, you can read our other blog posts here or explore authoritative resources like Make A Mom and March of Dimes for guidance on related topics.

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Summary:

Olivia Thompson was sentenced to 19 years to life for killing her abuser, Mark Jenkins. Despite clear evidence of her prolonged abuse, the jury was not allowed to see critical medical documentation. Her case underscores the systemic failures in protecting domestic violence victims and raises questions about the justice system’s handling of such cases.

Keyphrase: Domestic violence and justice system

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